Golf bag having accessible pockets for use with a golf cart

ABSTRACT

An elongated golf bag has a top, a bottom, and four sides surrounding a longitudinal axis. The front side has a front pocket extending forward therefrom. Right and left pockets extend from the right and left side, respectively, both further extending forward of the front side. The pockets include zipper tracks which allow the pockets to be opened forward of the longitudinal axis. A hard base cover surrounds the bottom which, when placed on a level surface, holds the bottom in a position elevated from the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The subject disclosure relates to golf bags, and more particularly to golf bags designed to be used with a golf cart.

2. Background of the Related Art

Golf is a wonderful game that can be universally enjoyed. However, for many golfers, a wonderful walk along a beautiful course can be spoiled by the labor of carrying a cumbersome golf bag. A poor match between the golfer and the golf bag exacerbates the problem, which can lead to distraction, loss of enjoyment, and muscle fatigue that impacts one's play. In other words, the golf bag is equipment that directly impacts not only enjoyment but performance.

Many golfers decide to rent a golf cart which minimizes the amount of time a golfer needs to carry their golf bag. Despite the fact that many golfers rent golf carts, most golf bags are not designed for convenient use when they are attached to a golf cart. As such, it can be difficult for a golfer to freely access some of their golf equipment, such as tees, gloves, divot tools, and beverages, while the golf bag is attached to the golf cart.

Further, although using a golf carts minimize the amount of time spent carrying a golf bag, often it does not eliminate it altogether. For example, golfers still need to carry their golf bag between the course and their vehicle. Often golfers will also need to remove their golf bag from the golf cart and carry it at various points while playing the course. For example, many golf courses have designated areas where golf carts are prohibited. If a golfer needs to make a shot from a prohibited area, they must either select a club before walking over to their ball, or remove their golf bag from the golf cart and carry it over. Unfortunately, golf bags can be inconvenient and/or uncomfortable to easily pick up or remove from a golf cart and carry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject technology includes a golf bag that can be used effectively even when attached to a golf cart. Further, the subject technology provides a golf bag that is convenient to pick up, and carry. Finally, the subject technology provides a golf bag that can be easily removed from or attached to a golf cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical golf cart.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf cart, the golf cart having an attached golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front right side perspective view of a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front left side perspective view of a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a rear left side perspective view of a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf harness for a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of detachable pockets for a golf bag in accordance with the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with golf bags and their compatibility with golf carts. The advantages, and other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. All references such as up, down, top, bottom, horizontal, vertical, left, right and the like are arbitrary terms used to refer to one position of an element based on one perspective in the Figures and are not meant as limiting the scope of the invention.

In brief overview, the subject technology is a golf bag with designed for convenient and comfortable use with or without a golf cart. The bag is easy to pick up and move quickly, comfortable to carry, and allows full access to all storage pockets even when it is firmly secured to a golf cart.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a typical golf cart is shown generally at 100. The golf cart 100 is designed to be driven throughout a golf course by a golfer. The rear portion 102 of the golf cart 100 is designed to removably attach a golf bag 120 (i.e. See FIG. 2). To that end, the rear portion 102 includes a staging platform 104 for supporting two golf bags. The staging platform has two recesses 106,108, each of which is shaped to secure the bottom of a golf bag 120. Two harnesses 110, 112 are affixed to the rear portion 102, each of which can be fastened around a golf bag 120 to secure it to the back of the golf cart 100. In other embodiments, the harnesses 110, 112 can be semi-circular shaped holders and straps (not shown) can extend from the ends of the holders. When the bags 120 are placed on the platform 104 and nested in the holders, the straps can be fed through the rear handle or other fastening piece on the bags 120 to secure the bags to the back of the golf cart 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2 a golf bag 120, in accordance with the subject technology, is shown being attached to the golf cart 100. The golf bag 120 is elongated, between a top 122 and a bottom 124, along a longitudinal axis “a” to allow room to store golf clubs. Four sides 126, 128, 130, 132 surround the longitudinal axis “a” and define the central golf club housing. When the bag 120 is placed on the golf cart 100, the bottom 124 sits on the staging platform 104 with the front side 126 facing outward from the cart 100. A harness 110 wraps around the front side 126 to hold the bag 120 securely to the cart 100. The top 122 of the golf bag 120 includes a plurality of openings or slots 134 (defined by club dividers that extend across the top opening of the bag) through which a golfer can insert golf clubs into the golf bag 120.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a golf bag 120 in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown with the front side 126 and right side 128 facing forward. The bag 120 has a front pocket 136 which extends from the front side 126 of the bag 120. The front pocket 136 has a zipper 138 with two zipper pull-tabs 140,142 along a front zipper track 144. The zipper track 144 runs along the front pocket 126 in the area furthest from the front side 126, forming a somewhat oval shaped flap 146. As shown, the pocket 136 is closed and secure. However, the zipper 138 is operable to open the flap 146, allowing a user access to the interior of the pocket 136 to store or remove contents. Due to the configuration of the pocket 136, pull-tabs 140,142, and zipper track 144, as described herein, a golfer is free to access the interior of the front pocket 136 even when the golf bag 120 is secured to the golf cart 100 (i.e. FIG. 2). In various embodiments, the front pocket 136 may have one zipper and/or the zipper track may be oriented different along the front pocket 136, such as seen in the zipper configurations with respect to other pockets discussed below. Also, the front pocket 136 is shown having an oval shape, but it should be understood that the front pocket 136 can have any suitable shape, for example, circular, square, rectangular, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the right side 128 of the golf bag 120 includes a right pocket 148 a. The right pocket 148 a extends outward from the right side 128 of the bag 120. The foremost portion 150 a of the right pocket 148 a extends forward of the front side 126. A first right pocket zipper 152 a has a zipper track 154 a which runs along the right pocket 148 a. The track 154 a runs generally parallel to the longitudinal axis “a” with an upper portion 156 a necking inwards towards the longitudinal axis “a.” Currently, the right pocket 148 a is in the closed position. The pocket zipper 152 a has a pull-tab 158 a which is operable to open the bag 120 along the zipper track 154 a and allow access to the interior of the right pocket 148 a. The zipper track 154 a is forward-facing so the pocket is easily accessible when the bag is secured to the cart (FIG. 2).

The right pocket 148 a also includes a first and second right sub-pocket 160 a, 162 a, both of which form smaller pockets within the interior of the right pocket 148 a. Each subpocket 160 a, 162 a is a separate and distinct compartment defined by the internal panels (not shown).The first right sub-pocket 160 a has a zipper 164 a with a zipper track 166 a which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “a” with an upper portion 168 a necking inwards towards the longitudinal axis “a”. The second right-sub pocket 162 a has a zipper 170 a with a zipper track 172 a that runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “a.” Both right sub-pocket zippers 164 a, 170 a have pull-tabs 174 a, 176 a which allow the sub-pockets 160 a, 162 a to be opened substantially along the longitudinal axis “a”, allowing access to the interior of the respective pocket 160 a, 162 a. As shown, both right sub-pockets 160 a, 162 a are in the closed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, when the golf bag 120 is placed on a golf cart 100, all zipper tracks 154 a, 166 a, 172 a which run along the right pocket 148 a are situated away from the rear portion 102 of the golf cart 120, on the same side of the longitudinal axis “a” as the front side 126. In fact, in the embodiment shown, the zipper tracks 154 a, 166 a, 172 a run almost entirely in front of the front side 126 of the golf bag 120. Therefore even when the golf bag 120 is attached to the cart 100, a golfer is able to access the interior of the right pocket 148 a and right sub-pockets 160 a, 162 a to store or remove items. In this way, when the golfer wishes to access items stored within their golf bag 120, the golfer does not need to remove the golf bag from the golf cart 100, or twist and turn the golf bag 120 after it is already securely harnessed in. Additionally, including multiple pockets allows the golfer to keep items separated. For example, the golfer might put a water bottle in the right pocket 148 a, golf balls in the first right sub-pocket 160 a, and golf tees in the second right sub-pocket 162 a.

It should be noted that while the left side 130 of the golf bag 120 is not shown in this particular view, the left side 130 is a mirror image of the right side 128. Therefore in various embodiments, the left side may have some or all of the various components shown on the right side and vice-versa. For example, referring now to FIG. 4, the left side of the golf bag is shown, wherein like reference numerals identify like components discussed with respect to FIG. 3. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 4, the golf bag 120 has all of the features shown with respect to the right side in FIG. 3. Further, all orientations with respect to the components on the right side 128 of the bag 120 hold true for the components on the left side 130 of the bag 120 as well.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the golf bag includes handles 180, 182 which allow the bag 120 to be easily picked up, rotated, or otherwise manipulated. To that end, the top portion 122 has two handles 180, 182; one handle 180 extends from the top portion 122 above the right side 128 of the bag 120 and another extending from the top portion 122 above the left side 130 of the bag 120 (See FIG. 2). The bag 120 is shown having two handles 180, 182 extending from the fourteen (14)-way top cuff 122, wherein the club dividers form fourteen separate channels or slots 134 for holding the golf clubs (not shown). Each slot 134 is designed to hold one club separately. However, it should be understood the top cuff 122 can have a single handle or any suitable number of multiple handles (e.g., three extending handles) and a single club divider or any suitable number of club dividers arranged in a variety of configurations. For example, the top cuff 122 can contain club dividers so that there are three, four, five, or six slots 134 and each slot can hold multiple clubs. The bag 120 also includes a rear handle 184 extending from rear portion 132 of the bag 120 (See FIG. 4). Further, a front handle 186 extends from the front side 126. The handles 180, 182, 184, 186 are secured to the bag 120 and are all capable of individually supporting the full weight of the golf bag 120, as well as the equipment stored within the bag 120, such that each of the handles 180, 182, 184, 186 can be used individually to move the golf bag 120. However, the handles 180, 182, 184, 186 are designed such that any combination of two of the handles may be gripped simultaneously to comfortably and efficiently move the golf bag 120. For example, the top handles 180, 182 may gripped simultaneously to easily lift the golf bag 120 upwards along the longitudinal axis “a” such that the golf bag 120 can be easily removed from the rear portion 102 of the golf cart 100. Further the front handle 186 can be gripped in conjunction with either of the top handles 180, 182 to easily turn the golf bag 120 on its right or left sides 128, 130. This can be beneficial, for example, when a golfer wishes to move the golf bag 120 into the trunk of their car.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the golf bag 120 is shown seated on a solid ground surface 188 such that it stands in an upright position. The golf bag 120 has a hard base 190 which surrounds the bottom 124 of the golf bag 120. The hard base 190 is a stiff material such that the base 190 allows the bag 120 to rest stably along a level surface. The base 190 is also designed to keep the bag elevated slightly from the ground 188.

For example, referring now to FIG. 7, the center of the base 190 includes a somewhat hollow recess 192 while a rim 194 runs along the circumference of the base 190 and extends down from the bottom 124 of the golf bag 120. A number of base cover legs 196 extend from the rim 194 further downward. The legs 196 provide a better gripping surface between the base 190 and a soft ground surface, allowing the golfer to dig the legs 196 in so that the bag 120 remains in place. Further, since the legs 196 and rim 194 elevate the rest of the bag 120, they help avoid having the golf bag 120 rest in water if the course is soggy.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a rear perspective view of a golf bag 120 and a detachable shoulder harness 200 are shown, respectively. When a golfer wishes to carry the bag 120 a somewhat far distance, the bag 120 is designed to be comfortably carried over a shoulder. To that end, the shoulder harness 200 includes upper connector webbing 202 a and lower connector webbing 202 b extending from a padded center 204. The center portion 204 is made of relatively thick, cushioned material. The cushioned portion 204 rests on the golfer's shoulders so the bag is well supported and he/she can carry the bag comfortably. The connector webbing 202 a, 202 b is made of a relatively thin, short fabric material and has minimal or no padding. The rear portion 132 of the golf bag 120 includes two coupling members 206 a 206 b, or clips, which are operable to conjoin with the straps 202 a, 202 b to attach the shoulder harness 200 to the golf bag 120. It is recognized that the straps 202 a, 202 b can be attached to the body of the bag 120 by any suitable fastening means. For example, the bag 120 can contain connector rings such as pivotal D-shaped rings. The straps 202 a, 202 b can contain spring-loaded clips that can be removably attached to the pivotal D-shaped ring. Once the shoulder harness 200 is attached to the golf bag 120, the golfer can sling the golf bag 120 over one of their shoulders such that the padded center 204 sits over the golfer's shoulder and carries the weight of the bag 120. In this position, the rear portion 132 of the golf bag 120 usually rests against the golfer's back. Therefore the rear portion 132 is padded to provide a cushion between the bag 120 and a golfer's back as the bag 120 is being carried. In particular, the rear portion 132 may contain a right-sided hip pad and left-sided hip pad (not shown). As the golf bag 120 is carried over the shoulder, this hip pad rests against the golfer or caddy's hip and provides comfort and support.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the rear portion 132 also includes a rear handle 184 which runs along the longitudinal axis “a” and has a pad for comfortable gripping. The rear handle 184 can be gripped by the golfer to easily lift the bag 120, for example, when placing the golf bag 120 on the golf cart 100. Other handles 180, 182, 186 can also be gripped in conjunction with the rear handle 184 to efficiently move the golf bag 120. For example, the top handles 180, 182 are conveniently located to allow a golfer to quickly pick up or move the golf bag 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, producers of golf equipment often desire to place a design, such as a brand name, trademark, logo, or the like, on the equipment they create. Therefore the bag 120 design includes a number of flat surfaces 220, 222, 224, 226 onto which a design may be placed. For example, right side 128, left side 130, and shoulder strap 200 all have large flat areas 222, 224, 226 where upon which a logo can be placed. The front side 126 also has a large, substantially flat area 220 where a design can be placed.

Referring now to FIG. 8, right and left detachable pockets 240, 242 are shown. These pockets 240, 242 can be easily fixed to or removed from the bag 120. For example, both pockets 240, 242 contain a button coupler 244, 246, which can be fixed to button couplers 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, 260 d (not shown) on the bag 120 (See FIGS. 3-5). In this way, the user may include or remove their additional detachable pockets as they so desire. The pockets 240, 242 each contain a zipper track 248, 256. Zipper pull-tabs 252, 254 are operable along their respective zipper track 248, 256 to open their respective pocket 240, 242.

It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, functional elements (e.g., coupling arrangements, tracks, slider assemblies, buckles and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation.

All patents, patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their entireties by reference. While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, each claim may depend from any or all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not been originally claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongated golf bag having a top, a bottom, and four sides surrounding a longitudinal axis, the golf bag comprising: a front side having a front pocket extending forward therefrom; a rear side; a right side having a right pocket extending from the right side; a left side having a left pocket extending from the left side; a first right pocket zipper track embedded within the right pocket; a first left pocket zipper track embedded within the left pocket, the right and left pocket zipper tracks being positioned so they are facing forward and accessible from the front side of the bag; a hard base surrounding the bottom which, when placed on a level surface, holds the bottom in a position elevated from the surface.
 2. The elongated golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the first right pocket zipper track includes a first right pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first right pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and the first left pocket zipper track includes a first left pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first left pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis.
 3. The elongated golf bag of claim 2, wherein: the right pocket further extends forward of the front side; and the left pocket further extends forward of the front side.
 4. The elongated golf bag of claim 3, wherein the rear side includes: a rear handle; and a plurality of coupling members, the coupling members operable to attach a shoulder harness.
 5. The elongated golf bag of claim 4, wherein the top includes: a first top handle oriented above the right side; a second top handle oriented above the left side; and a plurality of openings for inserting golf clubs into the golf bag.
 6. The elongated golf bag of claim 5, wherein the right pocket includes: a first right sub-pocket having a first right sub-pocket zipper track, the first right sub-pocket zipper track having a first right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first right sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and a second right sub-pocket having a second right sub-pocket zipper track, the second right sub-pocket zipper track having a second right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the second right sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one of the first and second right sub-pocket zipper tracks is positioned so it is facing forward and accessible from the front side of the bag.
 7. The elongated golf bag of claim 6, wherein the left pocket includes: a first left sub-pocket having a first left sub-pocket zipper track, the first left sub-pocket zipper track having a first left sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and a second left sub-pocket having a second left sub-pocket zipper track, the second left sub-pocket zipper track having a second left sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the second left sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one of the first and second right sub-pocket zipper tracks is positioned so it is facing forward and accessible from the front side of the bag.
 8. The elongated golf bag of claim 7, wherein: the right side includes a detachable right pocket above the right pocket; and the left side includes a detachable left pocket above the left pocket.
 9. The elongated golf bag of claim 8, wherein front side also includes a front handle below the front pocket.
 10. The elongated golf bag of claim 9, wherein the right side, left side, and shoulder strap all have flat surfaces containing a design.
 11. The elongated golf bag of claim 10, wherein the base cover includes a circumferential rim extending downward from the base and defining a hollow center recess.
 12. The elongated golf bag of claim 11, wherein a plurality of grip legs extend downwards from the rim, the grip legs capable of elevating the rim from the surface.
 13. A golf bag having a top, a bottom, and four sides surrounding a longitudinal axis, the golf bag comprising: a front side having a front pocket extending forward therefrom; a rear side having: a rear handle; and a detachable shoulder harness; a right side having a right pocket extending therefrom, the right pocket having: a first right sub-pocket; and a second right sub-pocket; a left side having a left pocket extending therefrom, the left pocket having: a first left sub-pocket; and a second left sub-pocket; a first right pocket zipper track fixed to the right pocket in a position forward of the front side, the first right pocket zipper track having a first right pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first right pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and a second zipper track fixed to the left pocket in a position forward of the front side, the left pocket zipper track having a first left pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first left pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis, the right and left pocket zipper tracks being positioned so they are facing forward and accessible from the front side of the bag.
 14. The golf bag of claim 13, wherein: the first right sub-pocket includes: a first right sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a first right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first right sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and the first left sub-pocket includes: a first left sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a first left sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis.
 15. The golf bag of claim 14, wherein: the second right sub-pocket includes: a second right sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a second right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first right sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and the first left sub-pocket includes: a first left sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a first left sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket substantially along the longitudinal axis. 